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“Being a “lone wolf” in the soliciation of major and legacy gifts may not be in the best interest of your client, if the gift is structured incorrectly. It can thwart the success of your mission, derail your fundraising goals and diminish your professional credibility with donors. Trying to go it alone in uncertain economic times makes no sense at all. Making professional allies and friends is logical and more necessary now than ever, especially in light of the dramatic increase in donors’ use of legal and financial professionals to help them make charitable decisions. Data from the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2010 Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy researched and written by The Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University found, “accountants (67.5&), attorneys (40.8%) and financial wealth advisers (38.3%) to be among the leading sources of charitable advice, followed by non-profits (24.1%).”

How do fundraisers get a seat at the proverbial planning table to proactively communicate with professional advisers, often perceived as the gatekeepers, who now have the client’s ear when it comes to discussing charitable affairs? How do both sides find a common body of knowledge to use their individual expertise to better serve donors and clients? And why is it so urgent for this dialogue to take place?”

See attachment to read more from Margaret May Damen’s article featuring Brian Kasal.